The Bedford Barrow Commerce Block Assocation (BBC) is the oldest and largest block association in Manhattan. We have over 300 members and we are easily one of the most active community organizations in New York City.

This site is dedicated to providing information about the organization and our various events.  We can be reached at bedfordbarrowcommerce@gmail.com or 212.741.9662.

Notably, 100% of our fundraising goes directly back into the West Village neighborhood.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE BBC

…Longevity; The Bedford Barrow Commerce Block Association has been serving our community for more than 39 years, longer than any other block association in the Greenwich Village area. Its’ yearly membership totals over 300 neighbors and businesses.

…The Newsletter: a community contact vehicle, reminding neighbors that we are active, meeting monthly with guest speakers and that the BA retains its’ presence in the community as an active force.  Our yearly “Handyman’s List” informing neighbors of recommended painters, electricians, contractors, etc. has become an important community service.

…The Trees:  The BBC has planted over 110 trees in our neighborhood; most were paid for with funds raised at the Fair. We maintain the trees with tree guards. When the BBC was formed there were very few trees, today the community is shaded with a mature, well cared for tree stock.

…The Flowering of our Tree Pits: Annually, the BBC funds a selection of flowering plants and ivy, delivered to our community for planting in our tree pits. We encourage our neighbors every May and November to bring their trowels and labors to 81 Bedford St. to pick up their plants for the “greening” of our little corner of Greenwich Village. The past few years, we have hired a gardener to coordinate these  fall and spring plantings and water our tree pits throughout the summer.

…Historic Plaques: The BBC shares the cost (with property owners) of installing Historic Plaques on any BBC property worthy of historic designation.

…The Guardian Angels: The BBC and the Christopher St BA welcomed the Guardian Angels to patrol our vicinity from 7^th Avenue to the Hudson River. Our neighbors have been joining the “Angels” on their patrols since 1990. Many of the volunteers are from the BBC membership.

…The Annual Hudson River Boat Ride: The BBC initiated and invited other Village BAs to join with us on this important community project. Neighbors get to know friends from other community organizations and share community concerns amongst each other.

…The Holiday Party: Our annual Xmas/Chanukah event has become a Village Tradition. Originally organized as a children’s party 38 years ago, as well as an event to thank the fair volunteers for their service to our community; it has grown into an event that brings together merchants, neighbors, children and neighbors from other village block associations. The party features a grand buffet, beverages, home baked goodies, a visit from Santa, raffle prizes, carols and puppet show.

…Community Service beyond the BBC borders: Our BA has been inspirational to surrounding communities. We have provided advice, funding and encouragement in the forming of other BAs throughout the Village.

The BBC is a founding member of Greenwich Village Block Associations (GVBA), an important community wide organization of block associations throughout the village area. We are also the co-founder of the Federation to Preserve the Greenwich Village Waterfront. Our interest in the village senior community has always commanded our highest interest.

…House Tours: The BBC hosted several house tours in our community. These fundraisers were instrumental in raising funds for historic lampposts in the BBC community.

…The Collector of Bedford Street: This short documentary film featuring our neighbor, Larry Selman, gained national notoriety by being nominated for an Academy Award in 2003. The film was funded, produced, directed and starred by BBCers. Much of the filming was produced right here in the BBC area. The film and its “stars”, Alice Elliott and Larry, are still touring the country introducing the film to Mentally Challenged Organizations. In addition to funding the film, the BBC was instrumental in raising the seed money for Larry’s Trust Fund; assuring his presence in this community for many years to come.

…Historic Street Lampposts: The BBC is responsible for the adoption by the GVBA of the concept of replacement of our aluminum cobra lights with historic reproductions. The block association installed 15 Bishop Crook Lampposts. Our Assemblyperson, Deborah Glick funded six and the BBC funded nine. (Each replacement costs $3500.) Other block associations have followed our lead and today these historic lamplights can be found throughout the Village.